No More Fireplaces in LA?

The LA Times isreporting a controversial clean air plan that might possibly put out the use of home fireplaces throughout Southern California is passed in Septemeber. The South Coast Air Quality Management District plan proposes "a ban on wood-burning fireplaces in all new homes in Los Angeles, Orange and portions of San Bernardino and Riverside counties and a ban on wood-fueled fires in some areas during winter pollution spikes."

Homeowners living in the Inland Empire would be required to remove or close off fireplaces and wood stoves, or install pollution control devices on them, before selling a house. Tens of thousands of home could be affected, with very little effect on overall reduction of polluting emissions.

Hmmm, we're all for reducing pollution and meeting the federal Clean Air Act, but we're doubtful that our chimneys are the real culprits of pollution here in Los Angeles. Why not go after polluting industries first, then get back to us about our hardly used fireplaces. What next, our briquet and woodchip fueled BBQs? Nooooooo!